When news broke on the Steele-Ponder relationship, some questioned whether there was a conflict of interest. But given that her realm is college football, and Ponder's is the NFL, that seemed something of a reach.

"We do not comment on, or confirm, personal aspects of employees' lives," an ESPN spokesperson told Sports Illustrated in October. "Regarding any policies, we expect any commentator to raise any relationship that could be a conflict with the sport they cover. This does not fit that scenario as she covers college football."

Ponder and the Vikings, meanwhile, are trying to get back on track after starting 4-1. Minnesota has lost five of its last seven games with Ponder throwing eight touchdowns and nine interceptions in that stretch.